Head of Conservation Services

Stanford University; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

Job summary

Stanford University seeks an accomplished conservator to serve as Head of Conservation Services. The role leads by example, setting high treatment standards, developing a skilled team, and collaborating with curators, librarians, archivists, and specialists across a major research library environment.

The Head oversees operations in a state-of-the-art conservation lab, supporting long-term preservation of analog collections across California branch libraries and storage facilities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or advanced certificate in conservation or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience in an established conservation lab for a research library or cultural heritage institution.
• Evidence of leadership in a large, complex organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead and set high standards for treatment across the conservation program.
• Develop and mentor a talented conservation team.
• Collaborate with curators, librarians, archivists, and specialists across branches.
• Oversee operations in a state-of-the-art conservation lab and support long-term preservation of analog collections.
• Ensure best practices in conservation and preservation are followed across the institution.

Skills

Leadership

Conservation

Team Leadership

Lab Management

Collaborations

Education

Master's degree in conservation or advanced certificate

Job description

The client is seeking an accomplished conservator and proven team leader to serve as Head of Conservation Services. This role is designed for a practicing conservator who leads by example, setting high standards for treatment, developing a talented team, and collaborating with curators, librarians, archivists, and specialists across a major research library environment. The position manages a dynamic conservation program focused on the care of special collections materials, including books, manuscripts, archival collections, maps, posters, photographs, and objects.

The Head of Conservation Services will oversee operations in a state-of-the-art conservation lab and support the long-term preservation of analog library collections across multiple branch libraries and storage facilities. The ideal candidate understands the intersection between conservation and the various functions of an academic research library, from acquisition to storage, and is aware of current professional practices in cultural heritage institutions. Leadership experience in a large, complex organization and the ability to foster a supportive and effective team environment are essential for success in this role.

Minimum qualifications include a Master's degree or advanced certificate from a recognized conservation training program, or a combination of education and relevant experience, along with significant experience in an established conservation lab for a research library or cultural heritage institution. The position is full-time and based on site in California. The client offers a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, and is committed to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action for all qualified applicants.